Publications

CSET produces evidence-driven analysis in a variety of forms, from informative graphics and translations to expert testimony and published reports. Our key areas of inquiry are the foundations of artificial intelligence — such as talent, data and computational power — as well as how AI can be used in cybersecurity and other national security settings. We also do research on the policy tools that can be used to shape AI’s development and use, and on biotechnology.

Report

CSET’s 2024 Annual Report

Center for Security and Emerging Technology
| March 2025

In 2024, CSET continued to deliver impactful, data-driven analysis at the intersection of emerging technology and security policy. Explore our annual report to discover key research highlights, expert testimony, and new analytical tools — all aimed at shaping informed, strategic decisions around AI and emerging tech.

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See our translation of a government-issued white paper describing China’s approach to standards setting for AI. Appendices list all of China’s existing AI standards as of January 2018, as well as those under study, and provide examples of AI applications by leading Chinese tech companies.

See our translation of an agreement between Chinese students who study abroad and the PRC Ministry of Education’s China Scholarship Council. It requires students on CSC scholarships to report regularly on the progress of their studies and mandates that those who study abroad return to China for at least two years.

Data Brief

AI Hubs in the United States

Justin Olander and Melissa Flagg
| May 2020

With the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and the competition for AI talent, it is essential to understand the U.S. domestic industrial AI landscape. This data brief maps where AI talent is produced, where it concentrates, and where AI equity funding goes. This mapping reveals distinct AI hubs emerging across the country, with different growth rates, investment levels, and potential access to talent.

While AI innovation would presumably continue in some form without Big Tech, the authors find that breaking up the largest technology companies could fundamentally change the broader AI innovation ecosystem, likely affecting the development of AI applications for national security.

See our translation of the 2019 application process for graduate students at Zhejiang University who wished to participate in a major Chinese government-funded study abroad program.

See our translation of biographical profiles of each member of China's New Generation AI Strategic Advisory Committee, as well as government and media reporting on the committee.

China’s strategy to grow its science and technology talent includes: 1) improving domestic education; 2) attracting overseas Chinese talent; and 3) attracting foreign talent. While China’s commitment to domestic education reform has achieved remarkable results, significant challenges remain.

Reports

Maintaining China’s Dependence on Democracies for Advanced Computer Chips

Saif M. Khan and Carrick Flynn
| April 2020

China seeks to develop an indigenous semiconductor industry. It is in the strategic interest of the United States and democratic friends for China to remain reliant on them for state-of-the-art computer chips, especially as Beijing invests heavily in advanced chips.

The United States and its allies must develop targeted and coordinated policies to respond to unwanted Chinese technology transfer—gathering more data, raising awareness of tech transfer, and coordinating investment screening procedures as part of a broader agenda of technology alliance cooperation.

See our translation of guidelines issued by the PRC Ministry of Science and Technology in August 2019, describes a process by which Chinese cities can apply to establish "national new generation AI innovation and development pilot zones."